Different Sources Of Nutrients Research Articles

Development and characterization of high nutritional value snack bar as a complementary source of nutrients in supporting the growth of pregnant women: chemical, physical, and sensory properties

Developing high nutritional value pregnant bar products as a source of different nutrients to support daily-consumed poor is considered a practical goal to increase pregnant crucial nutrient intake. This research aims to develop high nutritional snack bar as a complementary to support the nutrient requirements in pregnant women using a mixture of grains (chickpea and quinoa flours) along with wheat flour in addition to chia seeds, inulin, moringa leaves powder, anise, mastic and stevia. This study was conducted in two stages. Seven treatments of quinoa and chickpea flour levels in the ratio of (1:2) with wheat flour were produced. Proximate analysis, physical proprieties, color analysis, and sensory evaluation tests were determined. This highly nutritional snack bar has larger contents of protein, fiber, lipids, and ash, as well as lower amounts of moisture and carbohydrate content compared to wheat flour control. Moreover, physical properties: snack bar samples’ weight, diameter and thickness decreased as the concentration of chickpea and quinoa flours increased. The results of the color analysis showed that there were significant differences in lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values between the control and the seven snack bar treatments, which showed lower lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) color values and higher redness (a*) color values. Regarding the sensory evaluation, the most accepted treatment was treatment 7, which had 47.5% wheat flour, 35% chickpea flour, and 17.5% quinoa flour. Developing a high-nutrient-value snack bar as a complementary source of nutrients to support and cover most pregnant women’s nutrient requirements, maintaining necessary daily needs with controlled calorie intake and high quality and acceptability.

Assessment of Nitrogen and Sulphur Nutrition to Optimize the Yield and Quality of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment was conducted during February 2023 to June 2023 at Kerala Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasargod with the objective of formulating a nutrient schedule for groundnut, consisting different sources of nutrients (especially nitrogen and sulphur), time and method of application. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 9 treatment combinations of 2 factors, viz., Nutrient Schedule (S) and Foliar Nutrition (F), with 3 treatments each, viz., S1: nitrogen (10 kg ha-1) and sulphur (20 kg ha-1) as per package of practices as basal, S2: nitrogen and sulphur each @ 10 kg ha-1 in 2 equal splits (one as basal and the other at 20 days after sowing), S3: control (without nitrogen and sulphur), F1: foliar application of urea and potassium sulphate @ 1% each at 10 and 30 days after sowing, F2: foliar application of nano urea @ 3 ml 1-1 and nano sulphur @ 1 ml 1-1 each at 10 and 30 days after sowing, F3: control (without foliar application). The main effects of the treatments were significant with S1 recording taller plants at 20 (8.16 cm), 40 (18.05 cm) and 60 (30.34 cm) days after sowing and S2 at 80 days after sowing (37.61 cm). Foliar nutrition was found effective with application of nano fertilisers (F2), recording 11.17%, 27.02% and 18.75% taller plants than control at 40, 60 and 80 days respectively after sowing. The treatment combination S1F2 recorded the tallest plants at different growth stages with heights 18.61 cm, 34.50 cm and 41.50 cm respectively at 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing. The leaf area of groundnut varied significantly with treatments and their combinations. Application of nitrogen and sulphur @ 10 kg ha-1 each in 2 splits (S2) was superior to other treatments in recording higher leaf areas at 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing with respective values of 747.16 cm2, 1435.60 cm2 and 1216.20 cm2. Foliar nutrition with conventional urea and potassium sulphate (F1) recorded significantly higher leaf area at 40 (734.87 cm2) and 60 (1382.70 cm2) days after sowing and it was at par with foliar application of nano fertilisers (F2) at 40 days after sowing (716.70 cm2). Application of nitrogen and sulphur in 2 splits and foliar spray of nano urea and nano sulphur (S2F2) recorded maximum leaf area at 60 (1543.83 cm2) and 80 (1341.51 cm2) days after sowing. The plants which received nitrogen and sulphur in two equal splits (S2) and foliar application of nano urea and nano sulphur (F2) or their combination (S2F2) were superior in terms of kernel yield of groundnut with values 1925.87 kg ha-1, 1801.70 kg ha-1 and 2109.80 kg ha-1 respectively. The highest oil content was obtained with the treatment S2 (48.01 %) and it was on par with S1 (47.73 %). The effect of foliar nutrition was also significant and the treatments F2 and F1 were on par and they recorded 48.04 % and 47.81 %, respectively. Integrated application of nitrogen and sulphur each @10 kg ha-1as basal and foliar spray of nano fertilisers (S1F2) recorded the highest (49.30 %) oil content and it was on par with S2F1 (49.10 %) and S2F2 (48.4 %).

Effect of Different Doses of Nutrients on Vegetative, Reproductive and Biochemical Parameters of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) cv. F1 Amazing Hybrid

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) is a well-known winter vegetable crop which belongs to Cruciferae family. Cauliflower needs a large amount of macronutrients as they play role in the development and growth of curd. Therefore, a field experiment was executed to check the different sources of nutrients on vegetative, reproductive and biochemical parameters. Seven different concentrations of macronutrients i.e., Control (no fertilizer), N=150 kg/acre, P=100 kg/acre, K=100 kg/acre, NP=150 + 100 kg/acre, NK=150 + 100 kg/acre and NPK=150 + 100 + 100 kg/acre were applied to cauliflower and experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Results indicated that maximum values for vegetative and reproductive parameters such as plant height, numbers of leaves per plant, leaf area, foliage fresh weight per plant, foliage dry weight per plant, curd weight, curd diameter, curd yield per hectare and chlorophyll contents (63.2 cm, 21 leaves/plant, 1233.9 cm2, 930 g/plant, 246 g/plant, 695.79 g, 15.26 cm, 25.20 tons/ha and 2.07 CCi respectively) were recorded in NPK treatment (150 + 100 + 100 kg/acre). Whereas, the lowest values were noted in control treatment (no fertilizer). However, total soluble solids were noted maximum (6.49oBrix and 6.19oBrix) in NK (150+100 kg/acre) and NPK (150 + 100 + 100 kg/acre) treatments and vitamin C was maximum (46.35 mg/100ml and 45.67 mg/100ml) in the treatments NPK (150 + 100 + 100 kg/acre) and NK (150 + 100 kg/acre). From this study, it is concluded that application of NPK (150 + 100 + 100 kg/acre) is the recommended dose for better growth, curd production and higher quality yield of cauliflower cv. F1 amazing hybrid.

Export production in a continental shelf with multisource nutrient supply

Export production, which is defined as the export of organic matter fixed by photosynthesis, is crucial for sustaining oceanic carbon uptake. The export route in the open ocean is the sinking of biogenic particles through the bottom of the euphotic layer. In contrast, the export routes in the shelf seas are the sinking of biogenic particles to the sediment and the horizontal transport of biogenic particles across the boundary of the shelf seas to the open ocean. The biogenic particles in the shelf seas are supported by multisource nutrients including riverine and oceanic ones. Their exports depend on the hydrodynamic conditions and biogeochemical processes responsible for different sources of nutrients. Here, a unique physical-biological coupled model with a tracking approach is applied to evaluate the export production supported by multisource dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) over the East China Sea. The total export production is 6.83 kmol N s-1 (=17.16 Tg C yr-1), which is slightly lower than the reported atmospheric CO2 absorption. Approximately 80% of particulate organic nitrogen (PON) is exported via off-shelf transport, and the remaining 20% is buried in the sediment. The PON supported by DIN from rivers accounts for 8% of export production, with an e-ratio (export production/primary production) of 0.09. In comparison, that from the Kuroshio accounts for 64%, with an e-ratio of 0.22. This suggests that offshore areas here are more efficient in exporting local production than nearshore ones, largely supported by oceanic nutrients.

Effect of foliar application of different sources of nutrients on growth of Jambheri seedlings in primary nursery

Effect of foliar application of different sources of nutrients on growth of Jambheri seedlings in primary nursery

Growth Response of Wheat as Affected by Different Nutrient Sources and NPK Levels under Vertisols

Growth analysis such as crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area index (LAI) and net assimilation rate (NAR) are the most important traits in prediction of yield. Keeping in this view a field experiment was conducted to estimate growth response of wheat as affected by different nutrient sources and NPK levels under Vertisols in split plot design with 3 replications at the experimental field of JNKVV, Jabalpur during winter (Rabi) 2019. The treatment comprised of 3 sources of nutrient M1- Inorganic sources (NPK fertilizers), M2- organic sources (FYM, vermicompost, biofertilizers Azotobacter and PSB) and M3- Integrated sources (50% Inorganic + 50% organic) as main treatments and 5 NPK levels S1- control, S2- 100% RDF, S3- 150% RDF, S4- 200% RDF, S5- Based on soil test value (STV) for target yield of 6 t ha-1 as sub treatments were replicated thrice. The results showed that among the different sources of nutrients, maximum growth responses was found with inorganic sources of nutrient, which was significant over organic sources of nutrient followed by integrated sources of nutrient. All the growth characters (LAI, NAR, RGR and NAR) were higher at high fertility (200% RDF) which was found significant over 100% RDF and STV based value and at par with 150% RDF. Thus, from the present investigation concluded that the adequate supply of plant nutrient in inorganic sources with 150% RDF levels helps in better growth of wheat which ultimately helps in higher yield.

Nutrient Content and Nutrient Uptake of Rice by The Impact of Inorganic, Organic, and Biological Sources of Nutrients in An Inceptisol Soil of Tamil Nadu

Using the rice variety ADT-37, a field experiment was conducted in the rabi season of 2023 in Tamil Nadu. The scope of the study is to find out the impact of different sources of nutrients on nutrient content and uptake of rice. Most of the previous research work has combined inorganic and organic sources, or inorganic alone or organic alone or anyone with biological. Here we have included inorganic, organic and biological sources of nutrients. The experiment included of nine treatments viz., T1 – Control, T2 - 100% RDF, T3 - 125% RDF , T4 - 100% RDF + Press mud @ 10 t ha-1 + 2% Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria, T5 – 100% RDF + Vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1 + 2% Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria, T6 – 100% RDF + Coirpith Compost @ 6 t ha-1 + 2% Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria, T7 – 125% RDF + Press mud @ 10 t ha-1 + 2% Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria, T8 – 125% RDF + Vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1 + 2% Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria, T9 – 125% RDF + Coirpith Compost @ 6 t ha-1 + 2% Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria. The result concluded that 125% RDF + Vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1 + 2% Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria (T8) resulted maximum values in nutrient content and significantly higher in nutrient uptake values.

Effect of Different Sources of Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Quality of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

A pot experiment was conducted in the experimental research farm of Department of Soil Science, SAS, Nagaland University, and Medziphema campus, Nagaland in the period of June to September 2022 to make a study on “Effect of different sources of nutrients on growth, yield and quality of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). The experiment was laid out in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. The study revealed that the incorporation of different sources of nutrients significantly influenced that the plant growth, yield attributes and quality parameters i.e., NPK and protein content, Nutrient uptake, and availability of nutrients in soil after harvest of green gram. The crop growth attributes such as plant height, number of leaves plant-1 and number of branches plant-1 were significantly influenced by its application. The highest seed yield of 11.67 g pot-1and stover yield of 37.88 g pot-1 recorded with the treatment of 100% RDF+PSB+FYM was significantly superior over all treatments. The quality of green gram was improved by 100% RDF+PSB+FYM in the presence of different sources of nutrients. The highest nutrient content and highest nutrient uptake by green gram was also recorded highest with the treatment 100% RDF+PSB+FYM. The available nutrients (NPK), cation exchange capacity, organic carbon, soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon in soil was also found to be more due to the treatment of 100% RDF+PSB+FYM.

Unraveling the effects of zinc sulfate nanoparticles and potassium fertilizers on quality of maize and associated health risks in Cd contaminated soils under different moisture regimes

This study investigated the interactive effects of zinc sulfate nanoparticles (ZnSO4 NPs) and potassium fertilizers (SOP and MOP) on growth and quality of maize (Zea mays L.) under different moisture regimes in cadmium contaminated soils. It seeks to identify how these two different sources of nutrients interact to improve the quality of maize grains and fodder production to ensure food safety and food security under abiotic stresses. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse under two moisture regimes including M1 (non-limiting regime, 20–30 %) and M2 (water-limiting, 10–15 %) at Cd contamination of 20 mg kg−1. The results showed that ZnSO4 NPs combined with potassium fertilizers significantly increased the growth and proximate composition of maize in Cd contaminated soil. Moreover, applied amendments significantly alleviated the stress induced in maize by improving the growth. The greatest increase in maize growth and quality was observed when ZnSO4 NPs were applied in combination with SOP (K2SO4). The results also showed that the interactive effects of ZnSO4 NPs and potassium fertilizers significantly affected the Cd bioavailability in soil and concentration in plants. It was observed that MOP (KCl) enhanced the Cd bioavailability in soil due to presence of Cl anion. In addition, the application of ZnSO4 NPs combined with SOP fertilizer reduced the concentration of Cd in maize grain and shoot, and significantly reduced the probable health risks to humans and cattle. It suggested that this strategy could help to reduce Cd exposure through food consumption and therefore ensure food safety. Our findings suggest that ZnSO4 NPs and SOP can be used synergistically to improve maize crop production and development of agricultural practices in areas affected by Cd contamination. Moreover, by understanding the interactive effects of these two sources of nutrients, this research could help in the management of areas affected by heavy metals contamination. Environmental implicationThe application of zinc and potassium fertilizers can increase the biomass of maize, minimize abiotic stresses, and improve the nutritional value of the crop in Cd contaminated soils; this is particularly true when zinc sulfate nanoparticles and sulfate of potash (K2SO4) are used in conjunction. This form of fertilizer management can lead to a greater, more sustainable yield of maize under contaminated soils, which could have a major impact on global food supply. Remediation coupled with agro-production (RCA) not only improves the effectiveness of the process but will also encourage farmers to take part in soil remediation by easy management.

Isotopes of amino acids give novel insights on nitrogen sources partitioning and trophic position of invertebrates in a subtropical mangrove

Mangrove forests are characterised by a specialised fauna with low ecological redundancy. Their faunal diversity is also decreasing across the tropics, with cascading effects on the ecosystem services provided by these forests. Traditional tools often failed to assess the importance of different sources of nutrients and a reliable trophic position estimate in mangroves, although this information is crucial to better advise on effective conservation strategies. Here, we present nitrogen and carbon isotope data of individual amino acids measured in primary producers and fauna inhabiting a subtropical mangrove. We quantified the relative importance of vascular and non-vascular source of nitrogen in the mangrove food web. We found that most gastropods mostly exclusively rely on nitrogen originating from the marine environment (non-vascular) while most brachyuran crabs integrate between 8 and 50% of their nitrogen from vascular sources, most probably by processing decaying mangrove leaves. This highlights the unique role of crabs in processing the low-nutritional mangrove leaves into the food web. Moreover, we estimated the trophic position for 17 invertebrate species inhabiting the mangrove. We highlighted previously unreported difference in term of trophic position and source of food for several species, which were previously thought to have overlapping feeding preferences. Our data thus suggest that the inherent lack of ecological redundancy present in mangrove may even be more severe than predicted by recent estimates.

Simulating Hypoxia in a New England Estuary: WASP8 Advanced Eutrophication Module (Narragansett Bay, RI, USA).

Anthropogenic sources of nutrients cause eutrophication in coastal waters. Narraganset Bay (USA), the largest estuary in New England, has large seasonal zones of hypoxia. In response, management strategies have been implemented to reduce nutrient loadings. In this study, a mechanistic, mass balance fate and transport modeling framework was developed and applied to Narragansett Bay to improve our understanding of the processes governing hypoxia. Discrete and continuous observations were used for model comparison and evaluation. Simulations captured the general trends and patterns in dissolved oxygen (DO) with depth and space. Simulations were unable to capture the wide diurnal range of observed continuous DO and phytoplankton concentrations, potentially suggesting the need for improved understanding of processes at this time scale. Mechanistic modelling scenarios were performed to investigate how different sources of nutrients affect DO. Results suggest tributary sources of nitrogen affected upper layers of DO, while sediment oxygen demand and nutrient fluxes affected deeper waters. This work highlights the importance of understanding and simulating the legacy effects of historic nutrient loading to estuary systems to understand the magnitude and timing of long-term recovery due to reductions in nutrient loadings.

INFLUENCE OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON PERFORMANCE OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUML.) UNDER BHABAR REGION OF UTTARAKHAND

A field experiment was conducted during 2019-20 and 2020-21 at farmers field in Haridwar district, Uttarakhand. The objective of the experiment was to study the effect of different sources of nutrients on growth and productivity of wheat. The experiment consisted of nine treatments viz. control (T ), 100 % RDF (T ), FYM @ 1 2 10 t/ha (T ), VC @ 5t/ha (T ), 75 % RDF + FYM @ 10t/ha (T ), 75 % RDF + VC @ 5 t/ha (T ), 50 % RDF + FYM @ 3 4 5 6 10t/ha (T ), 50 % RDF + VC @ 5 t/ha (T ), 50 % RDF + FYM @ 10t/ha + VC @ 5t/ha (T ) , 75 % RDF + FYM @ 10 7 8 9 t/ha+ Azotobacter + PSB (T ), 75 % RDF + VC @ 5 t/ha+ Azotobacter + PSB (T ). The treatments were 10 11 replicated thrice and were laid out in randomized block design (RBD). Wheat variety used for the experimentation was PBW 343. The net plot size was 5 m X 5 m and crop geometry adopted was 20 cm X 10 cm. The results reported that wheat crop with the application of 75 % RDF + VC @ 5 t/ha+ Azotobacter + PSB (T ) 11 performed better in terms of growth parameters and yield under field condition compared to some of the treatments. Significantly higher B: C (2.9) ratio was calculated for 75 % RDF + FYM @ 10 t/ha+ Azotobacter + PSB (T ). Percent increase of 5.5 % and 3.6 % was recorded during 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively in grain 10 yield with the application of 75 % RDF + VC @ 5 t/ha+ Azotobacter + PSB (T ) over 100 % RDF (T ). 11 2 Significantly higher B: C (2.9) ratio was calculated for 75 % RDF + FYM @ 10 t/ha+ Azotobacter + PSB (T ).

Polyphenolic Profile, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potential of Medlar (Mespilus germanica L.), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) and Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) Fruit Extracts from Serbia

Plant-based food represents an excellent source of different nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, carotenoids, vitamins, etc., with proven health benefits for humans. The content of selected phytochemicals, polyphenolic profile, and biological activity (antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity) of fruit extracts of medlar (Mespilus germanica L.), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.), and common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.), the neglected Rosaceae species originated from Serbia were studied. Targeted UHPLC/(−)HESI–MS/MS quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds revealed pinocembrin only in medlar fruit extract, and it is the first report of this flavanone in medlar fruits. Total phenolic content did not differ between extracts, whereas significant differences were observed for the contents of total flavonoids, total phenolic acids, and total gallotannins. Monomeric anthocyanins and total anthocyanins were significantly higher in blackthorn compared to medlar and hawthorn fruit extracts (p < 0.05). DPPH· and ABTS·+ scavenging activities for examined fruits were modest compared to other natural antioxidants and BHT. The most potent inhibitory activity toward α-glucosidase expressed medlar and blackthorn extracts with IC50 values of 129.46 and 199.84 μg/mL, respectively, which was higher compared to the standard drug acarbose.

Influence of integrated nutrient management and sowing dates on growth, yield and quality of broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

The present field investigation was carried out at VegetableExperimental Farm, Division of Vegetable Science andFloriculture, SKUAST-J, Chatha during Rabi season 2018-2019. The experiment comprised of three levels of inorganicfertilizers i.e. 50%, 75%, 100% of recommended dose (50:60:50kg/ha NPK) combined with two organic sources of plantnutrients (FYM and Vermicompost) under two dates ofsowing (2nd fortnight of October and 1st fortnight ofNovember). The experiment comprised of 12 treatments laidout in a Randomized Block Design with three replications.The result revealed that vegetative growth and yieldparameters were significantly influenced by the applicationof different sources of nutrients under different dates ofsowing. Application of 75% N through inorganic fertilizersin combination with 25% through vermicompost sown at 2ndfortnight of October yielded maximum number of pods/plant(78.33), pod weight/plant (95.07 g), plant height (156.27 cm),

Effect of Organic Manures and Chemical Fertilizers on Maize Productivity and Soil Properties in the Winter Season

Field experiments were conducted at the National Maize Research Program Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, during the two consecutive winter seasons of 2018/19 and 2019/20. The objective was to identify the impacts of different sources of nutrients on the growth and yield parameters of winter maize and soil properties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications and twelve treatments. Combinations of different organic and inorganic sources, including the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer, use of farmyard manure, poultry manure, vermicompost, mustard oil cake, green manure, and bone meal, were made. Different nutrient levels significantly influenced the maize grain yield. The maximum grain yields of 7102 kg/ha (2018/19) and 6985 kg/ha (2019/20) were obtained with the combined application of 50% recommended dose (RD) of chemical fertilizer along with mustard oilcake at the rate of 5 t/ha, which was at par (6970 kg/ha and 6535 kg/ha) with the sole application of mustard oilcake at 5 t/ha. It can be concluded that maize performed best when 50% of the recommended dose of N, P2O5, and K2O fertilizers were combined with a 5 t mustard oilcake/ha application, followed by a sole application of 5 t mustard oilcake/ha. Soil properties, namely soil organic matter, were found to be significantly improved due to the application of a combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer. Thus, in subtropical conditions, integrated organic manures and chemical fertilizers can enhance soil properties and increase maize productivity during the winter season.

Forage quality in a neotropical savanna based on different types of fertilization

The application of different sources of nutrients to the soil with varying degrees of solubility, as well as the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, can generate different responses in agroecosystems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different fertilization options on the quality of forage in the conservation-based agroecosystems of neotropical savannas. Both perennial species Brachiaria dictyoneura and the legume Centrosema macrocarpum are associated with corn cultivation. Four fertilization treatments were evaluated within each cover crop, applying 150 kg ha-1 of nitrogen, 150 kg ha-1 of P2O5, 100 kg ha-1 of K2O, and varying the source of phosphorus, being the treatments distributed as follows: i) phosphoric rock, high dose of phosphorus (100% of P2O5 as phosphoric rock), ii) diammonium phosphate, high dose of P (50% of P2O5 as phosphoric rock and 50% as diammonium phosphate), iii) biological fertilization, low dose of P (25% of P2O5 as phosphoric rock and inoculation with biofertilizer based on native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, such as Gigaspora, Scutellospora, Acaulospora, and Glomus), and finally, iv) the unfertilized treatment. The results show that under direct sowing and the use of biological fertilization sources using phosphoric rock as a source of P, similar and even higher levels of raw protein can be reached than when using fertilization with soluble sources such as the diammonium phosphate, which induce greater sustainability of the cover biomass, being an alternative in the management of this types of agroecosystems.

Role of Integrated Nutrient Management on Oat: A Review

Food security and environmental safety are the two important areas receiving major setback with the use of chemical fertilizers. Sustainable food supply in response to population demand urges for a paradigm shift from chemical-based agriculture to some eco-friendly approaches. Integrated nutrient management or combined approach of using different sources of nutrients is relevant in this context as it optimisez profitable crop production and improves soil health without deteriorating environment further. Food supply not only comes from agriculture but also from livestock sector. Therefore, cultivation of dual purpose (food and fodder) crop like oat is gaining importance day by day. Adequate nutrition to oat directly reflects on livestock and human nutrition. Researches around the globe indicate that integrated nutrient management in oat is now gaining momentum as it holds good promise as a successful replacement of sole chemical fertilizer. However, poor extension service and lack of policies make this technology to remain as a dormant. Therefore, further research works regarding integrated nutrient management on oat and its true transfusion to farming community are the needs of the hour to protect livestock and human food security and to free the environment from clutches of chemical hazards in coming days.

Assessment of the early growth of agarwood (Aquilaria crassna) seedlings under different sources of nutrients

The effect of different sources of nutrients on the growth of Aquilaria crassna seedlings was assessed by raising seedlings in polybags treated with inorganic fertilizer (IF), organic fertilizer (OF) and biofertilizer (BF) either alone or in combinations. The pots were established following a completely randomized block design with eight treatments: (T1) soil without IF, OF or BF ‒ control; (T2) soil + IF; (T3) soil + OF; (T4) soil + BF; (T5) soil + IF + OF; (T6) soil + IF + BF; (T7) soil + OF + BF; (T8) soil + IF + OF + BF each replicated five times. Plant height, stem diameter, dry weight of shoots and roots, leaf area and chlorophyll index were measured six months after planting. Soil pH (H<sub>2</sub>O) and available soil P content were measured as soil parameters. The best growth performances (54.30 cm, 6.48 mm, 7.10 and 5.92 g·plant<sup>–1</sup>, 435.33 cm<sup>2</sup> and 58 for plant height, stem diameter, shoot and root dry weight, leaf area and chlorophyll index, respectively) were recorded in T8, which also resulted in the highest available P content (18.96 mg·kg<sup>–1</sup> soil). The lowest soil pH (H<sub>2</sub>O) value (6.02) was recorded in T7 followed by T6 (6.17). The application of IF, OF and BF as a combination could be recommended to promote the growth of Aquilaria seedlings.

Impact assessment of seedling age on soil properties, nutrient uptake and quality of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.) under different sources of nutrients

To determine the effect of the age of seedlings under different sources of nutrients on soil properties, nutrient uptake, and quality of the sweet corn, an experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement during the Kharif season of 2020. The experiment consisted of two factors: seedling ages (12, 22, and 32 days old) and nutrient sources (control, RDF, ½ RDF + FYM, ½ RDF + VC, and ½ RDF + PM). Organic sources of nutrients viz. FYM, vermicompost, and poultry manure were given on N equivalent basis. Results showed that transplanting 22 days old seedlings performed better and recorded higher NPK uptake in grain as well as stover with a significant difference, which was directly associated with its high dry matter accumulation. However, no significant difference was observed in the nutrient content of N, P, and K. Significantly higher grain and stover yield was realized by transplanting 22 days old seedlings. Application of ½ RDF + PM led to a significant increase in nutrient content and uptake in both grain and stover as compared to the sole application of RDF. The higher nutrient uptake was ultimately responsible for a higher yield of sweet corn. Application of ½ RDF + FYM was statistically at par with ½ RDF + VC to nutrient uptake and yield. The quality of kernels in terms of TSS, protein, Fe, and Zn content was notably influenced by sources of nutrients with the highest results under the application of ½ RDF + PM. Higher values for Fe and Zn content of grain were reported in the case of 22 days old seedlings with no significant difference to the rest of the seedling ages. Furthermore, the age of seedlings didn’t have a significant effect on postharvest soil Physico-chemical properties however a significant improvement was noted in plots fertilized with ½ RDF + PM.

Effect of Different Sources of Nutrients on Productivity, Profitability and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2020 to evaluate the efficacy of various sources of nutrients on the growth, quality, yield and economics of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L). There were six nutrient management practices consisting of organic, inorganic and combined sources of nutrients, which were evaluated, in randomized block design with five replications. Among the practices, the state recommended nutrient management practice (Farm yard manure (FYM) @ 25 t ha-1 + Azophos @ 2 kg ha-1 + Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF)) performed well with respect to plant height (88.7), number of primary and secondary branches per plant (49.8), number of fruits per plant (11.6) and yield per hectare (25,794 kg). Whereas, the organic nutrient management (50 % N requirement through organic manures (50 % FYM + 50 % Vermicompost) + seedling treatment with Beejamrit + Ghanajeevamrit @ 250 kg ha-1, Jeevamrit @ 500 litres ha-1 time-1 twice a month with irrigation water) performed well with respect to gross return (Rs. 299288 ha-1), net return (Rs. 183844 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.59). The quality parameters like ascorbic acid content, total soluble solids (TSS) and titrable acidity were also higher under the organic source of nutrients compared to only chemical or integrated nutrient sources. It can be concluded that the productivity of tomatoes were higher under state recommended nutrient management practice (FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + Azophos @ 2 kg ha-1 + RDF). However for getting highly profitable and quality tomato production, the organic package – 50 % N requirement through organic manures (50 % FYM + 50 % Vermicompost) + seedling treatment with Beejamrit + application of Ghanajeevamrit @ 250 kg ha-1, Jeevamrit @ 500 litres ha-1 time-1 twice a month with irrigation water can be recommended.